Hip injection

Lots of theories, but no concrete diagnosis - perhaps arthritis, possibly an undiagnosed childhood disease, or a predisposition to damage from one of the above exacerbated by 40+ years of frequent running & jumping.
Whatever the cause, it affected both hips. I also have arthritis in most other joints, large and small, and my spine.

I have the same issue with arthritis. It's everywhere. I recently went from 189 lbs to 160 lbs, well it took me a year and a lot of time in the spin studio. I also cut out 90% of refined sugar products, a major cause of joint inflammation. (I should cut out 100% of sugar, but I love a coke now and then, and a desert once in a while.)

I did have both knees replaced in 2022. Best thing I've ever done. My hips and shoulders are bone-on-bone, but I have no pain.

msjv asked what caused damage to the acetabulum. Well this socket is lined with cartilage. Arthritis and bone spurs wear away this cartilage, and the same thing happens on the head of the femur. And that results in bone moving against bone. And cartilage cannot be replaced.

Anything we can do to reduce inflammation - diet comes first, maintain a weight appropriate for height, exercise - especially cardio - and these are all things we mostly control.

And in the worst case - well for shoulders, hips, and knees - surgical replacement is very advanced. There is no reason to live a life in pain.

I had a hip injection 2 months ago, and have scheduled another in 1 month (apparently they must be spaced 3 mo apart -- is this for medical reasons or due to insurance?). Anyone having received multiple hip injections please comment on how long they last.

Hi heyjoe-
Yes, it’s cortisone. Doc says if my pain goes away it’s proof that my hip is the problem. I’m skeptical. The X-ray did show arthritis in my hips and lower lumbar. He also said it could be bursitis. Pain in leg feels more like muscle or tendon damage to me and it has gotten better. He disagrees. Hence the shot to “prove” it’s my hip. I may hunt for a Valium to help me relax pre injection. 😊

His PA will be doing the injection and I’ll certainly talk with her when I go in. I’ve had injections in my wrist and both knees. The one in the wrist almost put me on the floor from the pain (seriously….nearly fell out of the chair). The knee injections were hyaluronic acid and were uncomfortable but short duration. Remarkably, my last knee injections were four years ago! The pain just went away and the doctor who did them said that happens sometimes though I’m supposedly bone on bone.

I’m obviously hoping to avoid a hip replacement.

Thank you so much for your kind post.

Hi again. I got the X-ray report which only reported mild degeneration in my hips with the right hip (the side my leg pain is on) being slightly worse than the left. When I saw the ortho doc he had the X-rays up and said I have MODERATE degeneration AND bone spurs in my RIGHT hip. I guess opinions can vary on the degeneration but the darned bone spurs weren’t even mentioned in the radiologists report. I honestly don’t know if I’ll go through with the injection…at least not now. My pain is markedly improved (still not convinced it’s from a bad hip joint), and a loved one is dealing with a health crisis and I need to be available for her. One day at a time until the injection date gets closer.

Hi msjv,

Thanks for the info. From your X-rays, it certainly doesn't sound like you need a hip replacement, although I'm no Dr.

I don't know how on earth a radiologist could have missed a bone spur on an Xray.

I'm very sorry with the personal issue you're going through and wish you and your loved one the best.

I also understand that the thought of these cortisone injections can seem like a big deal, especially when they have to be guided by ultrasound. I'm not insensitive to your concerns. That said, try not to worry if you decide to go ahead. These shots are common, usually not very painful, but of course put first things first.

And keep in mind that how well cortisone shots work will vary from patient to patient, the type of joint, and even how the shot is administered. No guarantees. Because your arthritis is moderate, I think you'll will get some relief. In my case, I got little relief from cortisone in my knees before they were replaced. In my left shoulder, one shot didn't work, the next worked great.

And remember the effect of diet on inflammation and pain. Sugar is notorious for causing inflammation. And there are other, non-addicting meds to help with pain. You can ask your Dr about that. And ice can be a huge help.

I'm glad your hip is better. All the best to you friend. Please stay in touch. Joe

Another question: I believe the source of my hip and leg pain is instability in my hip. I do not have the kind of acute pain that people with bone on bone describe. Rather, I feel as if my hip might collapse and as a result my other connective ligaments and tendons are trying to compensate. This leads to thigh pain, knee pain and general discomfort all the way down to my calve and shin. And I then walk with a limp. Anyone else experience similar symptoms?

My symptoms were the opposite - my leg would lock up when I tried to raise it to climb stairs or a curb. But the issue was the same - total instability, I could even feel the bones moving when I rolled over in bed. The problem was severe damage to the acetabulum and femur so there was not a proper socket for the hip to pivot in. The solution was hip replacement (and the knee and back pain were resolved when I stopped limping)

What do the images on an x-ray tell your doctor? That is step one in figuring out what to do as a permanent solution.

I had a baseline X-Ray 3 years ago and another this year. Dr. said mild arthritis. To my untrained eye, both right and left hips looked the same. I have no problems with the left side, only the right. I complained about a snapping or clicking sound in the right hip when I walk or exercise. Dr did not seem interested, perhaps b/c he is part of a clinic that specializes in joint replacements. I have been doing PT exercises religiously, and the clicking has mostly subsided, but walking any length is an ongoing issue. The first injection enabled me to walk 4-5 miles, but that has now worn off.

I had a baseline X-Ray 3 years ago and another this year. Dr. said mild arthritis. To my untrained eye, both right and left hips looked the same. I have no problems with the left side, only the right. I complained about a snapping or clicking sound in the right hip when I walk or exercise. Dr did not seem interested, perhaps b/c he is part of a clinic that specializes in joint replacements. I have been doing PT exercises religiously, and the clicking has mostly subsided, but walking any length is an ongoing issue. The first injection enabled me to walk 4-5 miles, but that has now worn off.